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is directly descended from ancient hand tools]] A tool is a device that (most commonly) provides a Mechanical advantage in accomplishing a physical task. The most basic tools are Simple Machine s. For example, a Crowbar simply functions as a Lever . The further out from the pivot point, the more force is transmitted along the lever. Philosophers once thought that only Human s used tools, and often defined humans as tool-using animals. But observation has confirmed that Monkey s, Apes and other Animal s, mostly Primate s, but also some Bird s ( Raven s, for instance), and Sea Otter s can use tools as well. Later, philosophers thought that only humans had the ability to ''make'' tools, until Zoologist s observed birds and monkeys[http://williamcalvin.com/bk2/bk2ch3.htm [http://www.pbs.org/saf/1504/resources/transcript.htm][http://www.rollinghillswildlife.com/animals/c/chimpanzee/] making tools. Non-physical entities such as Process (Improvement or Reengineering ), Information Architecture , Creativity , and Learning itself are all invaluable tools that we humans use to better ourselves individually and collectively (or Collaborative ly). Certainly, the term "tool" should not be limited strictly to physical objects, but also cognitive methodologies as described below. Most Anthropologists believe that the use of tools was an important step in the Evolution Of Mankind . Humans evolved an Opposable Thumb (useful to hold the tools) and an increase in intelligence (aiding in the use of tools). Most tools can also serve as Weapons , such as the Hammer and the Knife . Similarly, people can use weapons, such as Explosive s, as tools. Tools can also be purely cognitive, such as a written language. FUNCTIONS OF TOOLS Many tools or groups of tools serve to perform one or more of a set of basic operations, such as:
Tool substitution Often by design or coincidence a tool may share attributes with one or more other tools in terms of their basic functionality. In this case, some tools can substitute for other tools, either as a make-shift solution or as a matter of practical efficiency. 'One tool does it all' is a motto of some importance for workers who cannot practically carry every specialized tool to the location of every work task. Tool substitution may be divided broadly into two classes: substitution 'by-design', or 'multi-purpose', and substitution as make-shift. In many cases, the designed secondary functions of tools are not widely known. For example, many wood-cutting Hand Saws integrate a Carpenter's Square by incorporating a specially shaped handle which allows 90° and 45° angles to be marked by aligning the appropriate part of the handle with an edge and scribing along the back edge of the saw. Multi-use tools
HISTORY Use of tools started at the beginning of the Stone Age . Humans have fabricated Knives , amongst the oldest tools, since that time. s) and wind ( Windmill s). Machine Tool s occasioned a surge in producing new tools in the Industrial Revolution . Advocates of Nanotechnology expect a similar surge as tools move down-scale. SEE ALSO Antique Tools |
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